Corbyn: Filton activists must not be sentenced as terrorists

Your Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has told the Canary that the Filton 24 activists convicted of criminal damage must not be sentenced as terrorists.

The Starmer regime insisted on retrying six activists. The jury had refused at the first trial to convict them on any of the state’s charges relating to damage to an Israeli-owned weapons factory, after police and security guards’ claims didn’t match CCTV evidence. At the retrial, security service-linked judge Jeremy Johnson banned any mention of the fact that the activists carried out their action to prevent the slaughter of Palestinian civilians. He also banned even the media from reporting that the defendants might be sentenced under terror legislation, despite no terror charges being brought against them.

Despite the attempts to stack the trial in the state’s favour, two of the activists were acquitted on all charges. None were convicted of any violent intent. Yet at the sentencing hearing next Friday, 12 June, the government is pressing for terror-related sentencing. This would mean much longer prison time and draconian conditions imposed on the young activists for decades even after release. These could include having to register their phones with the authorities, report on any relationships and obtain permission to travel.

Corbyn condemns attack on democracy and justice

Starmer is waging war on UK citizens’ rights to protect Israel and its interests. Corbyn, like a handful of other MPs, has condemned this attack on democracy and justice:

 

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Sentences will be passed at Woolwich Crown Court and the group’s supporters have asked well-wishers to attend a protest outside the court to increase public awareness, and pressure on the authorities to do the right thing.

Featured image via Jordan Peck/Getty Images for SXSW London